Suella Braverman, the attorney general, defied convention by calling for Boris Johnson to step down as prime minister while simultaneously choosing to keep her position.
The cabinet member, who has long been a steadfast ally of the prime minister, also declared she would run for the position of leader if one were to arise.
Her position raises concerns about how long she can legitimately hold onto her position, particularly in light of the treachery that led to the resignation of Michael Gove, the communities minister.
Thursday’s Commons session begins at 10 a.m. with questions for the attorney general.
Johnson had recently handled things “appallingly,” Braverman told Peston on ITV.
“The scales have turned now in the prime minister’s favor, and as much as it pains me to say it, it’s time to go,” she said.
She responded, “As an attorney and the senior law officer, my first obligation is to the country, Robert,” when asked why she didn’t resign.
“And we’re in a crisis, and I have legal obligations under statute and the constitution…
“I have that duty, so I don’t want to quit. The government needs an attorney.
When asked if she understands that Johnson will probably fire her, she responded, “That is his option, and I will do whatever the prime minister asks of me.
On Wednesday, the PM resisted calls to step down. Later, he had to deal with Braverman’s demand as well as the resignation of a third cabinet member, Welsh Secretary Simon Hart.
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The QC, who was chosen by Johnson to be the top lawyer in February 2020 after being elected as MP for Fareham in May 2015, has made a substantial change as a result of the attorney general’s withdrawal of support.
She was reappointed to her ministerial job in September after becoming the first cabinet-level minister to take maternity leave.
Braverman expressed optimism that the PM will triumph by a wide margin in the confidence vote held last month.
